femailkitten
New Member
Camping in France
Conversion companies - eastern England
- Thread starter Bob Turner
- Start date
Nice van
any shots of the interior?femailkitten
New Member
Only on my laptop, on iPad and only got that one from France last week sorry
Hi,
I was wondering if anyone can recommend a conversion company in East Anglia.
Secondly, I might be doing some of the work myself but I would definitely need the pop top professionally fitted. Which type are your preferred choice? I had an early HiLo on my previous van but I was not too impressed, it was such a problem un-screwing the four securing bolts and lifting up. Probably even more difficult to lower and keep canvas clear etc etc. I liked the low profile but would have liked slightly more height and less fuss to operate. Can anyone suggest a make that is reasonably low profile and easily errected and lowered. Perhaps also a suggestion of a good company to fit.
I know there is a wealth of experience in this forum so would really appreciate any advice.
Regards,
John.
I was wondering if anyone can recommend a conversion company in East Anglia.
Secondly, I might be doing some of the work myself but I would definitely need the pop top professionally fitted. Which type are your preferred choice? I had an early HiLo on my previous van but I was not too impressed, it was such a problem un-screwing the four securing bolts and lifting up. Probably even more difficult to lower and keep canvas clear etc etc. I liked the low profile but would have liked slightly more height and less fuss to operate. Can anyone suggest a make that is reasonably low profile and easily errected and lowered. Perhaps also a suggestion of a good company to fit.
I know there is a wealth of experience in this forum so would really appreciate any advice.
Regards,
John.
Hi @k15jrc...im not too far away just north of Ipswich. I can recommend Retrofitted in Bury St Eds....Mikey and his team are passionate enthusiasts and will really look after you. I just had my Skyline low profile pop top fitted there and they made an excellent job of it, but they do everything to their style. I was considering doing some of the work myself too but in the end decided to get it all done professionally as they do this day in day out. When I was looking at this option I did find Genesis-Sporthomes in Martlesham but seems they are snowed under with full conversions they were not interested in part conversions at all.
I ended up getting my conversion done by Knights Camper Conversions near Spalding as I wanted a Reimo Variotech sliding seat/bed fitted so that narrowed down my options hugely as its so specialised. They did a fantastic job..again enthusiasts.....and as a post by Tourershine today on recommended business says, its worth travelling the extra mile if you find the right company.
Try looking in the 'Review a Business' section to see if any more come up locally.
Good luck and congratulations on your purchase.!!
I ended up getting my conversion done by Knights Camper Conversions near Spalding as I wanted a Reimo Variotech sliding seat/bed fitted so that narrowed down my options hugely as its so specialised. They did a fantastic job..again enthusiasts.....and as a post by Tourershine today on recommended business says, its worth travelling the extra mile if you find the right company.
Try looking in the 'Review a Business' section to see if any more come up locally.
Good luck and congratulations on your purchase.!!
Hi Ricardo,
Thanks so much for your really helpful advice, I will certainly contact Retrofitted and enquire about the Skyline. My HiLo was an early model and needed four bolts to be unscrewed and a catch released in order to raise the roof and as it was so low profile, it was a bit of a performance lowering it, making sure the canvas was not caught. Is the Skyline easy to raise and lower?
It was very helpful naming a couple of fairly local converters, (I live in Felixstowe), I had a lot of work done on my last van by VanDoc but he hasn't responded to my recent enquiry so I will try some of your suggestions.
Thanks again,
John.
Thanks so much for your really helpful advice, I will certainly contact Retrofitted and enquire about the Skyline. My HiLo was an early model and needed four bolts to be unscrewed and a catch released in order to raise the roof and as it was so low profile, it was a bit of a performance lowering it, making sure the canvas was not caught. Is the Skyline easy to raise and lower?
It was very helpful naming a couple of fairly local converters, (I live in Felixstowe), I had a lot of work done on my last van by VanDoc but he hasn't responded to my recent enquiry so I will try some of your suggestions.
Thanks again,
John.
Hey @k15jrc, The Skyline seems pretty good in operation...two latching points under each sun visor....although the unlocking key could do with being another 20mm longer or so,(looking for a longer version) but all works well so far although have not really used it, only popping it up and down a few times on the drive .....There are elastic straps on the inside which help to pull the canvas in when lowering so shouldn't be an issue, these can be unclipped when the roof is up so they don't get in the way. You can also buy specific bungee straps on the Forum or elsewhere which you fit on the outside temporarily to help pull the canvas in whilst lowering but don't think I will need these. Overall really pleased with it.
You might find some of the converters don't answer their phones, which can be annoying, as they are snowed under with work atm.
When I was looking for a converter there were a few lowestoft direction but I wasn't drawn that way....reading the reviews saves a lot of wasted time if you believe them!!
.....There are elastic straps on the inside which help to pull the canvas in when lowering so shouldn't be an issue, these can be unclipped when the roof is up so they don't get in the way. You can also buy specific bungee straps on the Forum or elsewhere which you fit on the outside temporarily to help pull the canvas in whilst lowering but don't think I will need these. Overall really pleased with it.You might find some of the converters don't answer their phones, which can be annoying, as they are snowed under with work atm.
When I was looking for a converter there were a few lowestoft direction but I wasn't drawn that way....reading the reviews saves a lot of wasted time if you believe them!!
I’d suggest that you focus more on finding a converter you like, rather than where they are located.
When scoping mine last year, I looked far and wide and have ended up with one based in Devon, which is around 250miles from me. But I had a clear idea of what I liked and wanted from the finished project, and importantly what I didn’t like and that helped to narrow it down a lot.
Look at the quality of their work - a good converter will be only too happy to show off their skills. And finally, what are they like to deal with. If you are not getting a good vibe when you are potentially offering them business, then it’s not likely to get any better once they have your business.
You need to feel completely happy with them. and if you’re not, then keep looking. There are some great converters out there with flair and passion. Just gotta find the one that ticks your own boxes and has availability to do the work.....but don’t get drawn in just because they have availability. That test alone may be a very unwise one that you come to regret.
When scoping mine last year, I looked far and wide and have ended up with one based in Devon, which is around 250miles from me. But I had a clear idea of what I liked and wanted from the finished project, and importantly what I didn’t like and that helped to narrow it down a lot.
Look at the quality of their work - a good converter will be only too happy to show off their skills. And finally, what are they like to deal with. If you are not getting a good vibe when you are potentially offering them business, then it’s not likely to get any better once they have your business.
You need to feel completely happy with them. and if you’re not, then keep looking. There are some great converters out there with flair and passion. Just gotta find the one that ticks your own boxes and has availability to do the work.....but don’t get drawn in just because they have availability. That test alone may be a very unwise one that you come to regret.
Hi Ozi and Ricardo,
Thanks very much for the advice and feedback on the Skyline roof, it sounds a lot more useable than my previous roof, I like the idea of just 2 latching points. I take the point that the best converters are not necessarily nearby but with the present lock-down its not too easy to justify travelling across the country but at least I can get a feeling of the local-ish ones and maybe avoid going further afield.
Thanks again, I do appreciate you taking the trouble to advise.
Regards,
John.
Thanks very much for the advice and feedback on the Skyline roof, it sounds a lot more useable than my previous roof, I like the idea of just 2 latching points. I take the point that the best converters are not necessarily nearby but with the present lock-down its not too easy to justify travelling across the country but at least I can get a feeling of the local-ish ones and maybe avoid going further afield.
Thanks again, I do appreciate you taking the trouble to advise.
Regards,
John.
No problem @k15jrc...forgot to say....anything electronic try Wallis Vehicle electronics near Woodbridge...outstanding.
There's a company not far from me (North Cambridge) that does camper conversions (Campervans St Ives, Cambridgeshire | Needingworth Campers). Not used them myself but online reviews look very favourable.
I tried to get in touch with Cambridge Campervans a few times and sent emails and left messages and no one returned my call. Very disappointing, all it takes is a phone call.
Also Waveney Campers who did eventually call me back but only now deal with whole conversions, or ideally want to sell you converted van. I think some companies are changing tack a bit now with everything that has gone in over the last few years I guess with more people Staycationing. Depends how you catch people sometimes too. Like others have said,take your time with your research and dont rush a decision.
Also Waveney Campers who did eventually call me back but only now deal with whole conversions, or ideally want to sell you converted van. I think some companies are changing tack a bit now with everything that has gone in over the last few years I guess with more people Staycationing. Depends how you catch people sometimes too. Like others have said,take your time with your research and dont rush a decision.
Didnt come on my radar when I was looking. Let us know your thoughts or post a business review if you have anything done.
Yea, will do. Chap on the phone seems great. Loads of overwhelmingly positive FB posts... almost too positive, if you know what I mean.
Due to covid Cambridge Campervans were closed to the public. Give them a ring and I’m sure they will get back to you. I’ve had mine from them since Oct and nothing but praise for them.I tried to get in touch with Cambridge Campervans a few times and sent emails and left messages and no one returned my call. Very disappointing, all it takes is a phone call.
Also Waveney Campers who did eventually call me back but only now deal with whole conversions, or ideally want to sell you converted van. I think some companies are changing tack a bit now with everything that has gone in over the last few years I guess with more people Staycationing. Depends how you catch people sometimes too. Like others have said,take your time with your research and dont rush a decision.
Thanks DarrenTT...this was last summer so things may of changed since then again.
Chris.Cotter
New Member
I’m after advice on a reputable pop top installer in the Norfolk, Cambridgeshire or Lincolnshire area. I’m not looking to blow the bank but also understand that you get what you pay for. Any recommendations would be appreciated.
